glimmer
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Mar 15, 2008, 10:06 PM
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ATTENTION TO ALL SONY Z7U OWNERS 04/02 update
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For everyone who owns the Z7U....
I need you to check the following:
1>Auto focus
>>>How long does it take to focus, regardless of zoom level? Is it locked on or does it like searching?
2>With the lens in Servo mode (switch is in the front bottom left), do the following:
a. Zoom into something, regardless of what, but use the actual ring (holding onto the little knob)
b. Let the camera focus and then just tap the knob.
c. Does the image shift / move at all?
*. It appears that the lens is very loose and this issue, while Sony might say it's normal, would totally screw up certain shots, in that the slightest touch changes the view by about 1/32nd of an inch based on the LCD screen.
If you don't own this camera, do not post. I need to get a list of anyone with this issue ASAP.
PM or call me w/ any questions.
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03/17 Monday - UPDATE
This issue was just confirmed by Sony as not being normal. Some cameras have a tight mechanism, others are loose and have play to them.
So...this is what needs to be done at this point...
Call Sony at 1-800-883-6817
Follow the prompts, mention the issue, and have it documented, as well as requesting a follow-up call and what you would like in terms of it being fixed.
They have confirmed that this should not be happening, so now it's just a matter of getting them to do something.
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03/21 UPDATE
Here's another fun issue that I've now seen myself and others have been experiencing...
Film several short clips with the CF device and the beginning few frames will appear jagged or another color for some reason, and upon stopping recordation, you will lose part of the end of whatever is filmed. Some files cannot be brought into Premiere, either.
It's really disappointing that these issues are common throughout EVERY camera and nothing is being done about it yet...I'm supposed to be getting a call this coming week so we'll see what happens, but everyone who owns these cameras really needs to call Sony and make a case. Otherwise, nothing will get done.
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03/24 UPDATE
Oh, if only everyone knew how many hours I've spent on the phone....ridiculous. Here's the story for those that want something done about this...
>You MUST MUST MUST call Sony and report the issues if it's affecting your cameras. They didn't have enough calls to warrant a mass repair / recall as of last Friday and for all of those who own the cameras that ARE experiencing any of these issues, it's quite foolish not to make it known.
>Will have an answer from Sony mfg (from Japan) sometime today or tomorrow.
>Current status - Sony is gathering info to do a repair/recall/fix on some models based on resellers and are currently trying to determine if it was certain batches or all cameras. If a recall does take place, S/H will be covered by Josh/Cindy. For specs, either contact one of them or myself.
>Other fun issues - rolling-shutter - I think it's blown out of proportion A LOT but it's horrible when it happens - spoke w/ a Sony rep last Friday about this, too.....we'll see what happens.
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03/27 Update
>I've put more calls in with Sony and nothing has transpired. Not sure what's going on, but I was told that not enough people have stated anything, but I'll see if anything happens on Friday. It's just disheartening with some of this....
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03/31 Update
>Sony's deciding on what to do with all of the issues....those who purchased teh camera from Josh/VSA will have any applicable shipping charges covered. Confirmed issues are auto-focus (or lack thereof), play in the lens in servo mode, and invalid video files when recording to CF media.
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04.01 Update
Woohoo!!! Getting somewhere! Just spoke with a Sony rep and it's looking good! Channels are being contacted and Sony is in contact with Carl Zeiss right now. I'm supposed to get a call today or tomorrow with an update on what should be taking place. Issues, as noted, are consistent with every camera. Email/call/PM with questions.
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04.02 Update
Had a conference call this afternoon with two Sony reps. It was a very good call and quite decent. Here's the story based on the initial issues being noted.
CF Recordation issues - pending. They haven't been able to duplicate it themselves and I'm hoping to do it again. I'm trying to see if I can get a Sony CF card for testing purposes. If anyone, who has had the invalid media problem, has any problematic files, I need them - call/post/PM me as soon as possible.
Auto Focus - while we may not be too thrillled with it, it's the lens and is normal - no problems or issues found. It's just a slow lens that likes to hunt; so film accordingly.
Lens Play in Servo Mode - This was initially brought up by another Z7U owner with regards to the assumption of a lens problem based on the 1/4" extra movement in the zoom ring when in servo mode. I looked at other manual lenses and noticed slight play in them as well. Based on these findings, as well as talking with Sony, the lens play is to avoid overcranking the ring, breaking and/or misaligning the internal gears.
Long story short....the issues that were mentioned and of a concern are, at present, normal operations of the cameras and are not defects.
If anyone is unhappy with this please contact me or your reseller for more information as to what alternatives might be.
Regarding the Rolling Shutter - it's normal based on CMOS technology and has nothing to do with camera functionality.
If you have any additional questions please let me know.
(This post was edited by glimmer on Apr 2, 2008, 6:11 PM)
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